The National Geographic Traveler Photo competition for 2013 is underway and entries from all around the world are pouring in. This is the 25th annual Traveler Photo competition and the winner will receive the grand prize of having their photo published in National Geographic Traveler magazine and go on a National Geographic Expedition to the Galápagos – one of the most pristine environments left on the planet.

These are some of the favourite entries in the travel portraits category thus far, as chosen by the editors.

Entitled: Face to Face

This picture was taken by Anirudha Robi Chakraborty in Maha Kumb Mela, Allahbad, India.

They come from all over India to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela. Millions of Hindus, gather on the banks of the sacred river to bathe and pray for salvation. It happens once every 12 years. Here I come face to face with the pilgrims, who have come to watch the Naga sadhus, march towards the sacred river. 

Entitled: One Day a Masai Warrior

This photograph was taken by David Lazar in Masai Mara, Kenya.

These Masai tribes people live in the wilderness of Kenya and still uphold most of their traditional values and customs. The colour red is worn to represent power, and accessories and body ornaments are be worn to reflect their identity and status in society. Traditionally, a Masai boy would only become a Masai warrior after he went out on his own and killed a lion, as a rite of passage. 

Entitled: Ice Surf

This photograph was taken by Chad Copeland in Hofn, Iceland.

An adventure journey across the black sandy beaches of Iceland in search of perfect cold water waves. Eric Soderquist of California finds himself loving every set with out the competition of other surfers. The mountain of Kastardalur reaches into the sky behind him. True freedom! 

Entitled: Bermese Welder

This photograph was taken by Wylda Bayron in MRauk U, Burma. 

Entitled: Behind polar Circle

This photograph was taken by Anatoly Strunin in Puassia.

Mother of family in a Nenets settlement on peninsula Yamal (Puassia) prepares plagues for stacking on нарты before перездом on a new pasture.

[Source: National Geographic]